I must say, our recent Epic cruise, did not go as planned, but, it gave me a unique perspective with what happens, before, and, after one leaves a cruise ship unexpectedly.

For us, timing was everything, because WHERE you are disembarked, means everything. A day before we would have been in St. Maarten,and 2 days later we would have been in Nassau. Being disembarked in a U.S. territory, made this scary situation much easier, financially, and, mentally. Being in a port where English is not the first language would put you at such a disadvantage, adding another level of fear and frustration.

Once Bruce made the decision to go to the infirmary, it was mid afternoon, and I would urge anybody, in a similar situation, to not wait that long. For us, going down around 3:00 PM, and leaving the port at 4:00, made for a harried hour or so. Someone asked me, " did they ask you if you wanted to leave the ship?" You don't get that option, and, rightly so. No one should be at sea, and not have the specialty doctor you need, to get the outcome you want.

Once we were out the door, the ship missed it's sail away time, for a brief moment it did feel like, here's your coat, what' your hurry! But, the Ships Dr, did come to speak with me in the ambulance, give me a hug,and wish us well. I appreciated that.

Now remember, I had maybe 20 minutes to repack the cabin! The room steward was waiting to whisk the luggage off the ship,and send it along in the ambulance. Once we got to the hospital, the Port Agent for St. Thomas, anither angel, LInda Oliver, had to bring the luggage over to the airport, to have Customs go through it. She then brought it back to me, at the hospital, just making for a smooth transition.

While this entire experience was scary and upsetting, it pales in comparison, to having a loved medivac'ed from a ship at sea. Seeing, them leave, and you still onboard, helpless & not knowing what's next, perhaps in a foreign country, with inadequate health care, that would just be overwhelming.

Not being able to say good bye to my Cruisemate gang onboard was hard. Having Linda Griggs as a go between was such a help,and the well wishes onboard, and, here on site are truly appreciated.Leaving a ship is something cruisers really don't think about, us included...things have now changed. We had angels all along our path..that was a blessing indeed.